Exploring Life & Business with Mickala VanDop of Wit and Grit Flowers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mickala VanDop.  

Hi Mickala, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It started honestly in high school. Partying, drinking…pushing life to the limits in all facets. I made it 8 days into college before I dropped out. Tried construction for a while and loved it, but there was no climbing that notorious ladder. So, I got into the medical field…loved helping others but hated being stuck in a box all day, didn’t work for me. So, I quit, started bartending while my family bought a farm, and we had large aspirations…let me tell you. Still do. 

But those aspirations needed funding, and we had some zoning issues to overcome. So, the farm became a playground for my party days. Which lead me down a very dark path. I spent some years in a directed recovery program and started learning who and what I am made of. During this tribulation and a lot of isolation, the farm became my refuge. I learned I had a lot to lose, and the hard work began. One of my regulars learned my love of wrenching on jeeps and got me into automotive. I not only succeeded and climbed that ladder but I got scouted to lead an aviation company globally. I got sucked up and seduced by corporate America, and the farm hit the back burner. I was never home. It took a few years and so many hard lessons to get me back to that old place of solitude, the farm, but more consistent and appreciated this time. Dedication took on a whole new meaning. Don’t get me wrong…through the years, I always was getting things done, but the direction and path was always like a Sunday drive on backroads. I didn’t have a degree, and I felt the need to stay with what I was offered. I craved my own thing, but how do I get there? Shouldn’t I stay with these great paying jobs? Am I good enough? How do I overcome these obstacles? 

So, in February of 2022, my dad stated, this farm needs to make some money, and soon, or I need to make my own path. Well, I have not just waded through the depths of hell for nothing. Something had to change. I am not short of perseverance and mental fortitude; I could figure this out. So, I went where you can find information on any topic, Barnes & Noble. I had came across Floret Farms: The Cut Flower Garden. I instantly was swept away in her pages. I knew this was for me. Then realizing I had 3 months until planting and had no idea what I was doing. I submerged in research; I drained my 401k’s I’ve worked so hard for, I cried so many days out in the fields, learning hard lessons. All of this was made instantly okay when I sold my first bouquet of flowers. Seeing the look on people’s faces, that is what I truly desired. How can I connect people in such a manner that it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad? Life is hard, people need hope or someone to talk to. The farm chats I have are so inspiring; maybe one day I can do a podcast with them. 

As for now, year two is in full swing, so many new ideas are blooming, the opportunities are pouring in, and now it’s time to focus on a sustainable path in order to give back to others. We are hosting our first bible study this season, getting connected in our community, and counting the many blessings. That I have made it this far from someone who seems so unfamiliar to me now. Wit and Grit Flowers will be forging a path unlike any other. I want others to know it doesn’t matter where you come from or your background. If you have a dream and aren’t afraid of hard work…go for it. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! No. The road had potholes, roadblocks, detours, and dead ends. We have gone through 3 zoning officers who all told us different things, we hired two attorneys based off of those recommendations, had a couple township meetings that didn’t go well. Spent thousands we didn’t have. Ran into issues with our neighbors. One kicked us off their property, the other took my humble approach and used it against us later. Our first dream on the farm was shot down because we have 38.5 acres, not a true “40,” so we didn’t have enough allowed land to build a barn; we would exceed the limit. So, if we can’t build a barn, we can’t harvest crops as I have nowhere to store them. We aren’t allowed to have an open-air venue. So didn’t leave us with many options. My sister and I went rounds. During this time, we cleared about 8 acres by hand. Plenty of sweat equity, blood, and many tears. SOOO many bonfires. 🙂 As my sister and I still forge that path, we needed to make some money. 

So, Wit and Grit Flowers sprung to life last spring. Then it was a whole new ball game. I had to wear every single hat. Sales, accounting, marketing, branding, gardening, planning and processes, handyman…sanity left me a few times. Balling to my mom on the phone and her saying yup…I’ll be right there, then ghosts me for days. Then stating later, I couldn’t bail you out, you needed to figure out your own gauge. Now you know what you can do when the pressure is on. 

I still work a full-time career and travel for work, then work the farm. It’s a season of long days, starting with mental fortitude and finishing with physical fortitude. My days are 4:30a-10p most days. One day the farm will be full-time but until then. I march on. 

We’ve been impressed with Wit and Grit Flowers, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wit and Grit Flowers is a small flower farm. We do flower CSA, farmers market, roadside stand, a few stands at local pubs, weddings, special occasions, and so much more. I like to think I specialize in matters of the heart. Flowers are the perfect gift. They draw emotions from us like nothing else can. For a celebration to death. They fit. They help ease anxiety to getting you out of the doghouse. 

I think what sets us apart is the feeling you get when you come to the farm or interact with us. Complete acceptance. You know you are seeing the beauty of all the flowers, but to appreciate them for all the hard work that it takes to grow them. To teach others that anything worth having is worth fighting for. 

Brand-wise…that flowers are typically perceived as feminine but let me tell you. The work they take is all muscle and strategy. Hence the Wit and Grit. It takes strength, true grit, cleverness, creativity, forethought, and perseverance. I want people to feel empowered and capable when they come to me to buy flowers or have a special request. 

We are looking to do our own flower-infused wine label, more collaborations with other small business owners, agritourism, networking events, bible study, how-to classes, harvesting flowers & herbs for medicinal needs as well as teaching others how to be more self-sufficient. The future is bright, there is enough for everyone, and the sky is the limit. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
There is a phrase I keep seeing circulating that states, disappear for 6 months and resurface as a whole new person. Do the work that is needed on the inside. We were all very isolated during this time. Couldn’t see family and friends. Couldn’t go out and about. Being isolated when we were not designed to be this way. So, what do you do with yourself? Every one of us is given a choice. I chose to fly under the radar, read, learn, try new things, and educate myself so I could scale new levels and show others how to do the same. Covid 19 taught me gratitude. For all my freedoms and opportunities. 

Pricing:

• 12-week Flower CSA – $200
• Fresh Bouquets – Starting at $20
• Wedding and Event Flowers – Quote needed
• Farm Fresh Lavender Soy Candles – $15

Contact Info:

• Website: www.witandgritflowers.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/witandgritflowers

Image Credits
Cole Hammontree